Boy, 14, injured in assault at park

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was attacked at a park.

The 14-year-old boy was approached by a group of five males, aged between 12 and 16, at Farington Park, on Stanifield Lane in Farington, near Leyland.

They asked what colour his hair was, before one of them kicked him in the chest and another put him in a headlock and punched his chest.

The boy suffered bruising but was not seriously injured in the attack, which happened at around 4.15pm yesterday.

Police are investigating what happened and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

One boy was described as white, of medium build and with very short dark brown hair. He wore a grey and blacked hooded top with dark trousers and white trainers.

Another boy was wearing a black hooded top with black trousers and black shoes.

Coun Paul Wharton, who represents Farington East on South Ribble Council and is a Farington parish councillor, said: “This was an awful unprovoked attack on a child and I would urge the public to contact the police if they have any information about the males in the group or if they saw anything.

“The public can be reassured that incidents like this are very rare in our area and I am in contact with the local policing team to ensure patrols in the area.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number SC1507630, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.